“Concentrating more on ‘affirmative’ areas of people and situations, and thus having joyful countances, radiating the Love and Mercy of Christ!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30 and Mk 7:1-13 – Tuesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An elderly lady was known to always have a very pleasant countenance.

Anyone, who came in contact with her, would experience a sense of positivity.

They had never heard her criticizing or finding faults with people.

She was once asked by some of her neighbouring children on the secret of her joy.

She replied:
“I have always believed in avoiding to talk negative about people.

We need to be always good with the good.

But let us never be bad with the bad…

Because…
… we can shape a diamond with diamond

But we can’t wash mud with mud…!”

As human beings, we are constantly in the mode of “judging”

Judging in the sense of “choosing” or “making a selection” or “taking a decision”

But the Lord clearly warns us to be wary and careful in this act of “judging and criticising”

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus “focussing” His view on this very critical and crucial topic: of judging others and of pinpointing mistakes of others, without considering one’s own negative dimensions.

The Gospel reading describes a group of Pharisees who criticize the disciples of Jesus for not following the “external traditions” and rituals.

They pinpointed the mistakes of the disciples…
… and exalted themselves

Jesus however reminds the Pharisees on an important aspect: Before judging and criticizing others…
… one ought to first examine one’s own behaviour and actions

Jesus reminded them that “true devotion consists not of mere external purity and rituals…
… rather is a way of life, with consistent and committed focos on the Spirit of laws, rules and regulations.

With this fundamental principle in mind, Jesus teaches us to avoid the tendency to “rashly judge and criticize others”

The Lord reminds us that our judging…
… should not be rash
… should not be a means to putting down other persons

Maybe a simple list could help us check our areas of “judging”

Do I…
… enlarge the negatives of others – their faults, mistakes and petty ways?
… come to hasty and negative conclusions of situations or persons?
… gossip critical stories and uncharitable tales regarding others?
… have a strong prejudice to find others guilty?

Do I…
… tend to be harsh and even ruthless, when speaking the truth?
… add “spicy” remarks and “sensational” jingles when telling a real-story or event?
… do away with an unkind comment by simply saying, “I was just kidding!”
… speak something critical and then try to cover it up?
… have pleasure in condemning others?
… recount the truth in order to hurt and not to help?
… put down others with an intention to let ourselves be seen better?

The Lord strongly warns to keep away from all these and many more acts of such “judgement”.

It is also good to consider judging from another perspective:

When somebody does an act, which we consider that it can be “judged”, there are two areas which we may not really know…

1. How hard the person has tried “not to do” that particular action
   … it can be a sin, or a mistake or a failure or a blunder etc
2. How strong were the external forces or the circumstances that “made the person to do” that particular action

The Lord is serious on making us walk the “path of perfection”

Making efforts to become “less judgmental” is an essential part of this process.

Many of us may have perhaps have a tendency to find the faults and failures of others.

Let us make a conscious and consistent effort to avoid negative talk about people.

May we realise that “we need to be always good with the good.

But let us never be bad with the bad…

Because, we can shape a diamond with diamond

But we can’t wash mud with mud…!”

Concentrating more on the “positives”, the “brighter” and the “affirmative” areas of people and situations…
… let us always have joyful countances, radiating the Love and Mercy of Christ!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

Each community is defined by its purpose and consequently obeys specific rules…

… but “the human person is and ought to be the principle, the subject and the end of all social institutions.” (CCC # 1881)

“Beautifying our lives, not just with an external show, but more rather, with an internal glow!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13 and Mk 6:53-56 – Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A pious religious traveller once found a precious stone…
… a precious jewel.

A short time later, this religious person met another traveller, who said he was hungry and asked the monk if he would share some of his provisions.

When the pious man opened his bag, the traveller saw the precious stone and, without much thought asked him if he could have it.

To his surprise, the man gave the traveller the stone.

The traveller departed quickly, overjoyed with his new possession.

However, a few days later, he came back, searching for the religious person.

He returned the stone to him and made a request:
“I request you to kindly give me something more valuable…
… more precious than this stone.

Please give me THAT which enabled you to give me this precious stone!”

Life may often bless us with many external riches and outer treasures.

But unless one finds a contentment within, none of these will ever satisfy or suffice.

What is needed in life, is not an external show…
… but rather, an internal glow!

The Gospel of the Day presents this theme of “external show not always a sign of internal glow.”

The passage begins with the statement of Jesus crossing over…
“And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret…( Mk 6:53)

This place – Gennesaret – is an interesting place.

The meaning of this place name ” Gennesaret” is a “Garden of a Prince” or the “Garden of riches”

This was a fertile crescent-shaped plain on the western shore of the lake of Galilee.
This plain of Gennesaret has been also called, because of its fertility and beauty, as “the Paradise of Galilee.”

The history of Gennesaret is glowingly described (especially by Josephus, the Historian) that would do make proud the local tourism office of the Gennesaret Chamber of‘ Commerce!

It is said of Gennesaret, that the “soil was so fruitful that all sorts of trees could grow upon it. The walnut, the palm, the olive and the fig, which usually require diverse conditions, flourished together here.”

“One may call this place the ambition of nature; it is a happy contention of the seasons, as if each of them claimed this country; for it not only nourishes different sorts of autumnal fruit beyond men’s expectation, but preserves them a great while.”

It is said, that the fruits of Gennesaret had such high repute among the rabbis that they were not allowed in Jerusalem at the time of the feasts, lest any might be tempted to come merely for their enjoyment!

Yet, with all these riches and glory, Gennesaret, had its own share of the sick and the suffering!

However fertile the land…
… there were still many who were badly ailing!
However fruitful the land…
… there were still many who were painfully ill!

The choicest of food couldn’t assure them perfection in health and life!

The choicest of fruits couldn’t guarantee them flawlessness in wellbeing and strength!

Yes…
… All that Glitters is not gold

Indeed, we need to understand…
… a book should never be judged by its cover
… the cowl (large hood) does not make the monk!

Though the people of Gennesaret enjoyed the best of nature’s gifts, they were “people in need” and “people ailing in suffering and sicknesses”

And so we find, that as soon as Jesus reached their land, the people of Gennesaret “scurried about the surrounding and country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was” (Mk 6:55)

They had their riches…
… yet they had to reach out to Jesus, the richest of all treasures!

They had their resources…
… yet they had to run to seek Jesus, the source of all supplies!

Our own lives may sometimes represent the Land of Gennesaret…

Rich in many aspects – financially, talent wise, relationally etc
Fertile in many aspects – having great visions and plans for future, systematic, disciplined etc
Fruitful in many aspects – popular, acceptable, having name and fame etc

Yet, like the people of Gennesaret, we too may be lacking some of the essentials…
… lacking good health and in need of the healing touch of the Lord
… lacking peace of mind, and in need of the serene spirit of the Lord
… lacking satisfaction in life, and in need of wholeness from the Lord

The people of Gennesaret were quick to respond to the coming of the Lord.

Though their land had plenty, they did not fail to humble themselves…
Though their land was rich, they did not fail to realize their basic needs..
Though their land was famous, they did not fail to assume lowliness…

Am I willing to respond thus to the Lord…
… in sincerity, in openness, in docility?
Am I willing to bend myself to the Lord…
… in humility, in meekness, in submissiveness?

Let us make our life a true “Gennesaret”…
… a Garden of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Joy and salvation!
… a Garden of Riches of holiness, sanctity and grace!

Life may often bless us with many external riches and outer treasures.

But unless one finds a contentment within, none of these will ever satisfy or suffice.

May our lives…
… truly reflect the ‘Paradise of God’s Reign!’
… be beautified not just with an external show, but more rather, with an internal glow!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

By means of society, each man is established as an “heir” and receives certain “talents” that enrich his identity and whose fruits he must develop.
He rightly owes loyalty to the communities of which he is part…

… and respect to those in authority who have charge of the common good. (CCC # 1880)

“Discovering and being convinced of the greatness of Jesus and rendering our fervent submission to Him!”

(Based on Job 7:1-4, 6-7, 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23 and Mk 1:29-39 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

It was the 19th century British essayist Mr. Charles Lamb and his wife Mary…
… who moved the 17th century playwright William Shakespeare from his undeserved obscurity to the limelight of fame.

The two selected 20 of Shakespeare’s best-known plays and set out to make them accessible to children and to pay enthusiastic homage to the original works.

Charles Lamb was once involved in a discussion of the question, “Who is the greatest literary genius of all time?”

Two names finally emerged: William Shakespeare and Jesus of Nazareth.

Charles Lamb put an end to the debate when he said: “I’ll tell you the difference between these two men.

If Shakespeare walked into this room right now, we would all rise to greet him…

But if Jesus Christ came in, we would all fall down and worship Him!”

The greatness of men may make us rise in respect…

The greatness of Jesus would compel us to kneel in worship and adoration!

“Let’s talk about Jesus” is a popular English hymn.

Today, for our reflection, let us talk about Jesus…
… the most influential person ever, in history!

H. G. Wells, a prolific English writer, summed up this difference…
“Christ,” he wrote, “is the most unique person of history.

No man can write a history of the human race without giving first and foremost place to the penniless teacher of Nazareth.

From poverty and obscurity to teacher to death on the cross, to ascended Lord – Jesus Christ is the growing figure of history.

He is unique – for while all others decrease, he increases!”

The Gospel of the day reveals the immensely charismatic personality of Jesus.

He heals the mother-in-law of Simon Peter.

He healed many others who were with various sicknesses and diseases.
He cast out demons from many who were possessed and under bondages.

He became a sought-after person!

He became an attraction for many many people!

Jesus’ tremendous passion for the missions is indeed admiring…

We have said “Yes” to follow ‘this’ Jesus…
… Jesus who wants us to follow Him in healing the world
… Jesus who wishes us to become agents of casting out demons and unclean spirits
… Jesus who waits on us to preach and teach the Kingdom of God to all people anywhere

To be like Jesus, we need to imitate Him, not just in works… but above all in His Being!
… Totally committed to a life of prayer and union with God (Mk 1:35)
… Passionately zealous for the salvation of people (Mk 1: 32-33)
… Absolutely focused on the needs of the Kingdom of God (Mk 1:38)

Do I have my prayer life and communion with the Lord as the greatest thrust and push in all my activities, undertakings and ministries?

Do I have a deep desire and commitment to bring God’s love to all people and be passionate to share Him to all others?

Do I remain undistracted in the midst of all worldly attractions and forego personal pleasures by remaining focused on His Kingdom alone?

The world certainly faces a lot of darkness, pain and sufferings. (Job 7:1-4)

Our own world may be filled with shattered hopes, unfulfilled dreams, meaningless miseries etc

The world outside may be filled with terrible injustices, lacuna of peace, horrifying terrors etc

But the Lord assures that “He is the One who heals the broken-hearted”. (Ps 146:1)

Let us be filled with the power and spirit of Jesus, “the One whom we ought to preach by our lives” (1 Cor 9:16)

Let us discover and be convinced of the greatness of Jesus.

Shall we therefore, fall in deep adoration, ardent worship and fervent submission to Him…
… so that we can become agents of Him, who transforms the world continually?

Let us not have the woe of not preaching the Gospel! (1 Cor 9:16)

Let us share the blessings of the Gospel (1 Cor 9:23) and become all things to all! (1 Cor 9:22)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

A society is a group of persons bound together organically by a principle of unity that goes beyond each one of them.
As an assembly that is at once visible and spiritual, a society endures through time…

… it gathers up the past and prepares for the future. (CCC # 1880)

“Growing in our conviction of our ‘belongingness’ to the Lord and being fearless and courageous in giving ‘external expression to our Faith!’”

(Based on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – Day of Consecrated Life)

In a session, for a gathering of priests and religious – as part of the Day of Consecrated Life – the speaker asked:
“Can anyone please tell me in a word, what your idea of consecration is?”

An elderly sister, sitting right on the first row, stood up…

The speaker motioned to her… to answer

The sister – who had much experience in life working in mission areas- held out a blank sheet of paper…

And replied: “Consecration is nothing but to sign your name at the bottom of this blank sheet of paper…
… and let God fill it in, as He will
… and be joyful and at peace!”

That is indeed a beautiful way of understanding Consecration, isn’t it?

A total surrender to God’s Will and being joyful

A complete submission to God’s Ways and remaining at peace!

Today on this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord…
As Christians, we are reminded to grow in our “conviction of belonging to the Lord”…
… and to be fearless and courageous in allowing God to take complete control of our lives!

Today is also a day when we celebrate the ‘Consecrated Way of Life.’

Consecration is giving oneself to the Lord wholly.

Consecration is seeking to be pure – completely – in heart and mind.

The Gospel of the Day presents St Joseph and Mother Mary presenting Jesus in the Temple.
“When the days were completed for their purification, according to the Law of Moses, they took Him up to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord” (Lk 2:22)

We are on the 40th Day after Christmas, the Nativity of Jesus.

The Book of Exodus spoke of the need of this presentation and consecration of the first-born child…
“Consecrate to me every first-born that opens the womb…

If your son ask you later on, ‘What does this mean’, you shall tell him, ‘ With a strong hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the land of slavery….'” (Ex 12: 2, 14)

The act of presentation in the Temple…
… represented fulfilling of God’s command..
… recalled God’s deed of deliverance from slavery…
… reminded the deep love of God for His people…

The presentation of the Lord in the Temple, is also another reminder of the “ordinariness” of the Lord, in His incarnation…

Jesus was known as the child of “ordinary” human parents!

He took birth and grew up in “ordinary” conditions and circumstances!
He lived His life in an “ordinary” family situation!

By Baptism, all of us are also consecrated to the Lord…

Some of us, have also made a deeper consecration by the profession of vows…

The meaning of this consecration, also, derives from the consecration of the Lord…

We are “ordinary” by our sinful nature…
… yet the Lord exalts us to live a pure and holy life.

We are “ordinary” by our human nature…
… yet the Lord wishes to join with His Divine nature

We are “ordinary” in our deeds and works…
… yet the Lord wants to be His Kingdom partners

Our consecration…
… is a deep call and invitation to live a Holy Life
… is a loving obligation and sacred duty to be fully committed to Him

Each of us – whether single or in family life, whether a priest or a religious –
… ought to BELONG TO THE LORD AND TO HIM ALONE!

We are all consecrated and offered to the Lord.

Let us hold the hands of St Joseph and Mamma Mary, and renew our consecration to the Lord.

This is a day…
… to renew our commitment and zeal for the Lord
… to rekindle the fire of our love and faith in the Lord
… to restore our initial enthusiasm and interest for the Lord
… to revitalize our knowledge and comprehension of the Lord

Life will constantly take us to situations where we will face tough and hard moments.

Can we allow the Lord to fill the “papers of our life” – the canvas of our life – the way He wishes…
… and bowing before His Holy Will – say Yes to Him – and live in joy and peace?

May we grow in our conviction of our “belongingness” to the Lord…
… and be fearless and courageous in giving “external expression to our Faith!”

Yes, let us pray: “Lord, I belong to You and to You alone, Amen!”

Happy Feast to all of us, who are consecrated to the Lord, by our Baptism…
… specially to the Consecrated, by virtue of the evangelical vows!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

All men are called to the same end: God himself.
There is a certain resemblance between the unity of the divine persons and the fraternity that men are to establish among themselves in truth and love.

Love of neighbor is inseparable from love for God. (CCC # 1878)

“Entrusting ourselves totally to the Lord and allowing even our flaws to bloom and bless others!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12 and Mk 6:7-13 – Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A common story is told of a water bearer who had two large pots…
… each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it.

While the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house…
… the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years, this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments
>> But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer:
>> “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you”.

The bearer asked, “Why? What are you ashamed of?”

The pot replied: “For these past two years I am able to deliver only half of my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house.
>> Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value for your efforts”.

The water bearer without being disturbed said plainly:
>> “Today as we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the path along your side.”

As they went up the hill, the cracked pot took notice of the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path.

At the end of the trail, the bearer said to the pot:
>> “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side?

That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it.
>> I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them.

For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table.
>> Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house!”


As a Christian, each of us are expected to perform our role in mission
>> This requires that we be just the way we are…
… but totally offered to the Hands of the Master, knowing for sure that He will supplement all our flaws with His Grace!


The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus sending out the Twelve on a mission…
… with the tender invitation to depend on Him totally.


The ministry of Jesus had gained a lot of popularity.
>> There were crowds of people following Him…
>> There were multitudes of persons attracted to Him…

But of all these, Jesus had chosen the Twelve…
… who would be with Him and to be sent out (Mk 3:14)


The ministry of Jesus had also gained a lot of opposition.
>> Many of the religious leaders were greatly taken aback by the raw authoritative power of Jesus
>> Many of the Scribes and Pharisees were greatly offended by the blunt and open challenges by Jesus
>> Many of the local and family people were greatly scandalized by the boldness and courage of Jesus


But as the saying goes…
“Challenges are what makes life interesting…
… and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful!”


Though opposition and challenges were raging hard against the ministry of Jesus…
>> He remained courageous and determined.
>> He not only chooses the Twelve…
… but He also sends them on a mission

A mission…
… with an authority over unclean spirits
… to proclaim the Kingdom of God
… to preach repentance and peace


In this mission joureney, the Lord gave a few instructions and principles…
“… to take nothing for the journey…
… whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place…” ( Mk 6: 8-10)


The Twelve were to learn…
… to totally depend on the Lord
… to not get discouraged even in the face of apparent flaws and failures


Each of us, by virtue of our following Christ, is a missionary…
… we have a duty entrusted to us – a duty for the Kingdom of God

Do I totally dependant on the Lord and have the Lord as my Courage and Strength…
…or do I tend to get self-reliant and too proud on my own talents and potentials, with no room for the Lord?

Do I get easily discouraged and disheartened when things don’t go as I plan or when I feel that I am not being “successful” in what I am doing…
… or do I know for sure that even with all my flaws and weaknesses, the Lord will employ me for His Glory, if I trust in Him?


Christian missionary life is a journey
>> There may be times when we feel we are not doing enough
>> There will be situations when we feel that I am not living up to my expectations

But the Lord, Who is holding us, over His Shoulders assures us:
“I have always known about your flaws…
… and I take advantage of that.
>> Just be the way you are – but offer yourself to me totally and trust in me – and you will participate in my plan of bringing Beauty to the House of God!”

Yes, the Lord plants flower seeds of joy, peace and love on the way
>> And if we entrust ourselves totally to Him…
… even our flaws, can become occasions to have these seeds to bloom and bless others!


Shall we – in the words of St Francis de Sales – “Be what we are, and be at its best”…
… offering our lives to the Lord wholly?


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE HUMAN COMMUNITY
>> The vocation of humanity is to show forth the image of God and to be transformed into the image of the Father’s only Son.
>> This vocation takes a personal form since each of us is called to enter into the divine beatitude…
… it also concerns the human community as a whole. (CCC # 1877)
————

“According the deserving status and recognition of the Lord’s presence in our lives!”

(Based on 2 Sam 24:2, 9-17 and Mk 6:1-6 – Wednesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A distinguished actor had a large photograph of William Wordsworth (= a major English Romantic poet)…
… prominently displayed in his dressing-room.

A friend, who came to see this actor and observing the picture remarked with some surprise…
“Hmmm… I see!
>> So you are an admirer of Wordsworth?”

“Wordsworth? Who’s that?” enquired back the actor.

“Why, that’s his picture,” was the answer, as the friend pointed towards the image “That’s William Wordsworth, the literary giant. This picture would surely have cost you a fortune!”

The actor looked at the photograph with a bemused gaze!

“Is that old guy, a famous poet?” he exclaimed in astonishment!
>> “Oh! Who bothers about these old guys! I just picked up that frame from my storehouse, to fill the empty space on my wall!!”


The picture that was hung on the wall failed to acquire its deserved status and recognition …
• due to the ignorance of the actor
• due to his contempt for and prejudice towards old guys


How often do we reject the precious and important people and aspects of life…
… due to our ignorance…. our contempt of things… and our prejudiced mindsets!


The Gospel of the Day is presentation of this “rejection” experience of the Lord in His hometown.

The Lord arrives in His hometown.
>> On the Sabbath, He taught in the synagogue.


The Gospel mentions a juxtaposition of feelings of the listeners…

First, there is a great expression of marvel and wonder:
“Where did this Man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to Him? What deeds of power are being by Him?” (Mk 6:2)


But this feeling quickly vanishes…

The feelings of wonder and amazement get distorted to feelings of contempt, condemnation and outright rejection:
“Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not His sisters here with us?” (Mk 6:2)


What was the cause of this sudden and dramatic change of mood of the listeners?
• It was simply because Jesus was “just one of them!”
• It was simply because Jesus was “too acquainted to them!”


Familiarity often breeds contempt!
• When one is too close to the Divine, one has to be also aware that there are greater possibilities of losing the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”

• When one is constantly handling Divine objects, there is also the greater chance of losing the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent”


How many of us are prone to this danger….

Priests and the Religious constantly handle Divine objects and perform many spiritual exercises…

• Daily Holy Mass… Frequent recital of the Psalms in the Divine Office Prayer… Regular Adorations and administering and receiving of the Sacraments… Recurrent handling of the Bible, liturgical articles, reading and hearing Church teachings and life of saints….
>> Do all these help one to deepen one’s relationship with the Lord…?
>> Or do these cause one to lose the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”… ?


Many Christians are engaged in a number of spiritual activities on a regular basis…
• Holy Eucharistic celebration… novenas… recital of the Rosary and other pious prayers of devotion… forwarding of devotional messages, pictures and videos through emails and Whatsapp and social networking tools…
>> Do all these help one to grow in spiritual life….?
>> Or do these make one to lose the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent” … ?


The people failed to recognize the worth and value of Jesus due to “too much familiarity”.
>> However this familiarity was only “external and peripheral”…

Such kind of a familiarity had, in fact, caused them to be ignorant, contemptuous and prejudiced…
>> Ignorant… of the fact that amidst them was the Promised Messiah who was to save the world!
>> Contemptuous… of the fact that “one of them” could actually possess so much of wisdom and power!
>> Prejudiced… of the fact that “this ordinary Son of a carpenter” could ever be the Son of God!

Yes, how often do we reject the precious and important people and aspects of life… due to our ignorance…. our contempt of things… and our prejudiced mindsets!


We are invited today to “open our eyes” and to realize the worth and preciousness of God’s grace that we have been blessed with…

Each of us… personally… as a family… as a community… and as a Church, have been blessed and graced with immense favours and kindness from the Lord.
• True that we have much to complain in the maze of the many crisis we undergo..

Yet amidst all this…
>> Can we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving and gratitude for the Lord’s Guiding Presence with us, always…
… and learn to grow deeper in our love for Him?


Let us seek the intercession of St John Bosco, on his Feast Day…
… and do our best “to accord the deserving status and recognition to the Lord’s presence in our lives!”


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE PROLIFERATION OF SIN
>> “Structures of sin” are the expression and effect of personal sins.
>> They lead their victims to do evil in their turn.
>> In an analogous sense, they constitute a “social sin.”(CCC # 1869)
————

“Letting go of every ‘Fear’ in our lives, by having deeper ‘Faith’ in the Lord!”

(Based on 2 Sam 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30–19:3 and Mk 5:21-43 – Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Here is a story of a mother and her little four-year-old daughter were getting ready to retire for the night.

The child was afraid of darkness.

The mother, alone with the child, felt a little fearful as well.

When the room lights were put off, the child caught a glimpse of the moon outside the window.

“Mother,” she asked with innocence, “is the moon, God’s light?”

“Yes, my child” said the mother “God’s light is always shining.”

The next doubt was, “Will God blow out His light and go to sleep?”

The mother smiled at her and replied, “No, my child. God never goes to sleep.”

Then out of the simplicity of a child’s faith, she said that which gave reassurance to the fearful mother: “Well, so long as God is awake, I am not afraid!”

The assurance that God was with them, made the little child courageous and strong!

A deep faith casts away every fear…
A strong belief puts aside every panic…

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful journey, with Jesus, in this movement from “Fear” through “Faith”…
… Jairus, whose daughter was at the point of death, is led from the “fear of death and hopelessness” through “faith” to experience the miracle of restoration of life
… The woman with haemorrhage for twelve years is led from the “fear of shame and depression” through “faith” to experience the miracle of cleansing and wholeness of life.

The Gospel passage of the day is one of the many “sandwich” passages in the Gospel of St Mark.

“Sandwich” stories are a literary technique in which the narration of one story begins…
… but is interrupted by another story, before finishing the first one.

Some of the examples of these “sandwich stories” are…

In Mk 3: 20-35, we have…
Mk 3:20-22: Jesus’ family members set out to seize Him

Mk 3: 23-30: Jesus speaks to the Pharisees on their accusation of Him
Mk 3: 31-35: Jesus family comes to meet Him

In Mk 6: 7-33, we have…
Mk 6: 7-13: The disciples sent on a mission

Mk 6: 14-29: Herod’s opinion on John the Baptist and the narrative of the beheading.
Mk 6: 30-33: The disciples return from the mission

In Mk 11: 12-25, we have…
Mk 11: 12-14: Jesus cursing the fig tree

Mk 11: 15-19: Jesus cleansing the Temple
Mk 11: 20-24: Jesus’ teaching on the withered fig tree

In Mk 14: 1-11, we have…
Mk 14: 1-2: The Conspiracy against Jesus

Mk 14: 3-9: The anointing of Jesus at Bethany
Mk 14: 10-11: The conspiracy plan by Judas to betray Jesus

Such kind of “sandwich” layers illustrates points for reflection by showing ..
… similarities and contrasts between the outside and the inside layers.
… the first and the last as “the bread”‘ and the centre one as the “filling” of the sandwich!

Today’s Gospel also follows this “sandwich-story” structure… Mk 5: 21-43
Mk 5: 21-24: Jesus is pleaded by Jairus to heal his daughter

Mk 5: 25-34: The woman suffering from haemorrhage is healed
Mk 5: 35-43: Jesus heals the daughter of Jairus

There are many similarities and contrasts between the “bread” – the outside layers and the “filling” – the inside layers in this ‘sandwich’ passage…

Age:

Jairus’ daughter is 12 years
The woman was suffering from haemorrhage for 12 years

Description of the Condition:

Jairus’ daughter at the point of death
The woman at the point of utter hopelessness

Status of the person:

Jairus is the daughter of a ruler of the synagogue
The woman with the problem of bleeding is an old widow

The support system for the suffering one:

Jairus’ daughter has many people to mourn – to weep and wail loudly
The widow is all alone in her suffering and agony

The place:

Jairus’ daughter is in her room, in the house
The woman with the haemorrhage is out on the crowded street

The mode of healing:

Jairus’ daughter is healed with a word, “Talitha Koum”
The suffering woman was healed by a “touch”

The title used by Jesus:

Jairus’ daughter is called by Jesus as ‘Little Girl’
The suffering woman is called by Jesus as ‘Daughter’

Some of the key messages of both these stories invite us to reflect on our own life…

1. Emphasis on Faith
   Jairus, the father of the sick child, as well as the suffering woman display a tremendous faith and trust in Jesus

Do I also put my trust and hope in the Lord, even when situations are “dead-like” and there seems no hope in life?

2. Acts of humility
   Jairus, as well as the suffering woman, make acts of humility, by falling at the feet of Jesus and pleading for mercy and help

Am I able to let go of my egoistic tendencies and be ready to fall at the feet of the Lord, seeking for His mercy, compassion and help?

3. The Lord being in perfect control
   Jairus, as well as the suffering woman experience the charismatic power and control that Jesus displays even when throngs of pain, suffering and death are surrounding him.

Do I realise that even if there are crowds of humiliation and shame around me or mourners of discouragement and despair wailing loudly in my life, the Lord is still in perfect charge, if I surrender and offer my life to His tremendous power?

The “sandwich stories” of the day are a great invitation for us to move from a “Life of Fear” to a “Life of Faith”, trusting and putting our hope in the Lord and in His Mighty Power.

It is to be also noted that after the cure of Jairus’ daughter, the Lord asked her parents to “give her something to eat” (Mk 5: 43)

This could also be a reminder for us, in our spiritual life, that after moving from a “Life of Fear” to a “Life of Faith”…
… we also need to sustain and nourish it by eating and consuming of the “Life of Fullness” in the Most Holy Eucharist!

Let us let go of every “Fear” in our lives, by having deeper “Faith” in the Lord and enjoying the “Fullness” of healing and happiness!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE PROLIFERATION OF SIN

Sin makes men accomplices of one another…
… and causes concupiscence, violence, and injustice to reign among them.

Sins give rise to social situations and institutions that are contrary to the divine goodness. (CCC # 1869)

“Like Jesus, being altruistic in words and deeds and actions!”

(Based on 2 Sam 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 and Mk 5:1-20 – Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others.
>> Altruism is selflessness – the opposite of selfishness.

It consists of sacrificing something for someone with no expectation of any compensation or benefits, either direct or indirect.


The Gospel of the Day presents the Altruistic Ideal – Jesus – engaged in His great ministry of bringing the Kingdom of God to many…
… of healing
… of rebuking the evil spirits
… of bringing consolation and joy to the people.

And today He enters a Gentile territory…
… They came to the other side of the sea to the territory of Gerasenes” (Mk 5: 1)


In Luke 4:18, Jesus announced His Mission Programme of “…bringing good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, new sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed…”

In accordance with this manifesto, Jesus sets forward to announce the Kingdom of God through His mighty deeds and works.
>> The Lord unveils the Compassionate Face of the Father…
… and reveals His Benevolent Heart to the needy and the deprived.


As He enters the territory of Gerasenes, Jesus encounters a man “who came from the tombs with an unclean spirit” (Mk 5:2)

St Mark describes the awful state that the man was in…
… dwelling among the tombs
… none could restrain him
…. bound in chains


Sometimes, in life, we too find ourselves in such a situation…
… though not physically, but mentally, socially and spiritually!

In all such “possessed” situations of life…
… are we ready to encounter the presence of the Lord?

>> In the sunset of darkness and pain in my life…
…. do I encounter the Lord to receive the Light of Hope and Healing?

>> In the sunset of emptiness in my spiritual life…
…. do I encounter the Lord to receive the Light of Faith and Revival?

>> In the sunset of frustrations and despair…
…. do I encounter the Lord to receive the Light of Encouragement and Support?


St Mark goes on to describe the state of the demoniac…
… how he would hurt himself with stones (Mk 5: 5)
… how he cried out loudly to the Lord (Mk 5:7)
… how he pleaded the Lord to not chase away from that comfort zone (Mk 5:10)


We need to ask ourselves…
>> Am I tormented by the demons of evil forces and satanic powers….. ?
… The power of the Lord is here to deliver!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of bad, unhealthy addictions…?
… The power of the Lord is here to overcome!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of filthy words and dirty thoughts…?
… The power of the Lord is here to liberate!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of peer pressure and societal strains…?
… The power of the Lord is here to set free!


The Lord at the end of today’s Gospel passage declares His intentions of going to other towns (Mk 5:18)…
… and also exhorts the demoniac who was healed to remain in his place, and to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God (Mk 5: 19-20).

The zeal and enthusiasm of the Lord to reach out the Gospel to many others is really amazing
>> And He also inspires and exhorts those who have been touched by Him, to become a witness to His Works and His Kingdom

Do I imitate the Lord…
…. in being zealous to reach out God’s goodness and kindness to many other people?
… in being fervent to let ignorant people to know the saving message of the Gospel?


The Gospel of the Day invites us to take note of the Altruistic Spirit of Jesus…

This Altruism of Jesus challenges us…
… to be willing to change our lives, go beyond our zones of comfort and help the needy with the Acceptance and Restoration of the Lord!
…. to reach out to many sick and suffering and troubled and weak-hearted and afflicted people with the Love and Compassion and Healing and Mercy of the Lord!


Jesus was possessed by a deep love of His Father…
… which made Him to be Altruistic in reaching out to others.

Jesus was filled with a deep fervour for the Kingdom…
… which made Him to be Altruistic in saving and healing others.


Today, You and I, are invited and challenged to imitate and follow Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!

Let us show forth that we are Children of our Heavenly Father and soldiers of the Kingdom of God…
… not only through our words but much more by our Altruistic words and deeds and actions.

St Gregory the Great would say, “He is not wise to me who is wise in words only, but he who is wise in deeds.”


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE PROLIFERATION OF SIN
>> Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:
– by participating directly and voluntarily in them
– by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them
– by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;
– by protecting evil-doers. (CCC # 1868)
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“Submitting ourselves to the Power and Authority of our Blessed Lord!”

(Based on Dt 18:15-20, 1 Cor 7:32-35 and Mk 1:21-28- 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

A beautiful and commonly quoted story goes thus:

A very poor woman called a Christian radio station asking for some assistance and help.

A man – known to be an unbeliever in God and who highly despised religion – who was listening to this radio program…

…. decided to make something out of it…

>> He decided to play a prank on the woman, and make her a fool.

He got the ladies’ address…

… then called his secretary and ordered her to buy food

>> And take to the woman with the following instruction:

“when the woman asks who sent the food…

… tell her that it’s from the devil.”

When the secretary arrived and delivered the food to the woman…

… the woman was so happy and readily accepted the food and moved inside her little house.

The Secretary, out of curiosity asked her: “But don’t you want to know who sent the food?”

The woman answered:

“NO, it doesn’t matter!

>> Because when GOD orders, even the devil obeys.”

Yes…

… when God orders, even the devil obeys!

The Gospel of the Day presents this act of encounter…

… where the shackles of captivity and bondage of Satan are broken by the power of release and liberation by Jesus!

… where Kingdom of Satan yields to the Kingdom of God!

Jesus is in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day and addressing the people. (Mk 1:21)

>> His teaching is full of power and conviction…

>> His teaching is filled with passion and fervour…

This presentation of Jesus, with full of power and authority is something remarkable…

… and worth to be imitated and inspired.

Jesus announced in his first Programmatic Speech (Lk 4: 16-30)…

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…

… to proclaim liberty to the captives”

In tune with this announcement, the Lord goes about “preaching liberty to the captives”…

Those people, who were captivated…

… by sin

… by oppression

… by evil forces and satanic powers

>> And this “liberation from captivity,” was done by Jesus…

… with a lot of power and authority

… with immense conviction and passion

When one is deeply convinced of one’s beliefs, it overflows into one’s words and actions

As He thus taught the people, Jesus encountered a man with an unclean spirit, who cried out:

” What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” (Mk 1: 24)

Darkness cannot reign, when light shines!

>> Filth cannot dominate, where there is immense holiness!

The man with the unclean spirit could not tolerate the Words and the Presence of Jesus!

>> His heart and mind began to reverberate

Irritation began in him..

… Restlessness began to overpower him

And finally, unable to withstand, he yelll out: “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?!” (Mk 1: 24)

But the Power of God was much more powerful than this yelling!

The Lord with might and power, boldness and audacity ordered:

“QUIET! Come out of him” (Mk 1: 25)

And when God orders, even the devil obeys!

The Gospel says: “The unclean spirit convulsed him, and with a loud cry came out of him” (Mk 1:26)

Our life is a constant battle with the powers of the evil.

Time and again, we have people and situations who discourage us

>> Many times we go through moments when spiritual life doesn’t seem to be encouraging

We often get tied down by the powers of temptation

>> We often get disappointed by the struggles of sinful tendencies

But let’s know for sure: The power of the Lord is with us – waiting to save us!

We need to know for sure: That when God orders, even the devil obeys!

What is therefore needed is that, we need to…

… yield ourselves to the Orders of God!

… make ourselves open and docile to the Commands of God!

Let’s examine our Christian lives and check:

Do I constantly seek live a life, in the Presence of the Lord…

… so that no powers of Satan can touch us?

Do I nourish my spiritual life with the daily food of Prayer, Word of God and re-commitment to holiness…

… so that we are never under the bondage of the evil?

The mighty power of the Lord is with us

>> Always wanting to provide for us!

>> Always wanting to take care of us!

Let’s submit ourselves to His Power and Authority, knowing for sure:

“When God orders, even the devil obeys!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism

MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE PROLIFERATION OF SIN

>> The catechetical tradition also recalls that there are “sins that cry to heaven”: 

… the blood of Abel

… the sin of the Sodomites

… the cry of the people oppressed in Egypt 

… the cry of the foreigner, the widow, and the orphan

… injustice to the wage earner. (CCC # 1867)

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“Journeying with the Lord, with a readiness and humility to learn, even through the storms and hardships of life!”

(Based on 2 Sam 12:1-7a, 10-17 and Mk 4:35-41 – Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

The journey with the Lord is always an interesting one…
>> There are moments of tremendous joys and happiness…
>> There are times of fascinating delights and elations…

There are also however, moments of dryness and silence.


The Gospel of the Day is an account of the Disciples experiencing this dryness and silence, in their journey with the Lord.

It’s a very late evening…nearing midnight…
>> The disciples along with Jesus, who have embarked on a boat, are caught in the midst of a heavy storm.
“A violent squall came up and the waves were breaking over the boat…” (Mk 4: 36)


Some of the disciples were fishermen.

They had been many many years at the sea.
>> They had often suffered the fury and vehemence of nature
>> They had been greatly used to many storms and tempests at sea.


But this storm seemed to be too fierce and too ferocious.
>> The disciples feared greatly!

With death bells ringing in their ears, and a dreadful end before their eyes…
… the disciples were shocked to see Jesus, unmoved and unperturbed.
“Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion” (Mk 4:38)


In the moment of their deep anguish and helpless, the disciples cry out:
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mk 4:38)
>> The boat could capsize anytime and all of them could be drowned soon…
>> The storms could lash brutally and the waves could overturn them any moment…


Time was fast running…

But Jesus seemed totally unfazed!
>> Jesus seemed totally disinterested!
And they cry out to Jesus… Lord, do you not care?


How many times have we screamed similar words to God:
“Lord, do you not care?!”

>> Lord, do you not care…
… that my family member is so sick?
… that I feel totally alone and miserable in my life?
… that my marriage is failing and my family is breaking up?
… that am without a job now and the future ahead is so bleak?
… that my life seems so meaningless and without any purpose?
… that I am plunged to loneliness and abandoned by all my friends?
… that I encounter only failures, dejection and rejection in my endevours?


When we look into the Gospel, it is amazing to know whose plan it was, in the first place to make this boat journey…

When we re-read the Gospel passage, we find the answer…
Mk 4:35 says, “On that day, as evening drew near, Jesus said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side'”!

Ah…..

Shall we read that again?

… JESUS said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side”!


The idea to go in the boat was not that of the disciples…
>> The idea to go in the boat was that of JESUS!

The encounter with the storms was not some accident!
>> The stumbling into the violent waves was not some unlucky thing!

It had a purpose!
It had a meaning!

For the disciples, it was a moment of terror…
… But the Lord used this terrorizing time to teach them to have faith in Him!

For the disciples, it was a time of immense crisis…
… But the Lord used this critical moment, to teach them to trust in Him!


King David would be convicted of his mistake and be made to realize the seriousness of the crime that he had committed…
… when Prophet Nathan would acquit him of the sin of adultery against the wife of Uriah
>> This dreadful of sin and guilt would become a moment for King David to be lowered in humility, in abject dependence on the Lord and he would confess and repent: “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Sam 12:13)

David would realize his vulnerability and understand the need to always “pray for a pure heart!” (Cf Ps 51:10)


Our moments of struggle a time of testing…
>> Our moments of struggle can become a time of learning…

Testing of our genuine faith… learning of deeper trusting!
>> Testing of our real convictions…learning of profound dependence!


Let us, have the willingness to grow deeper by trusting the Lord in crisis moments.
>> Then we too will be blessed to hear the Lord commanding the waves and storms of hardships of our lives: “Quiet! Be Still!” (Mk 4: 39)


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE PROLIFERATION OF SIN
>> Some vices are called “capital” because they engender other sins, other vices.
>> They are pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth or acedia. (CCC # 1866)
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